Why Our Kids Need More Information Technology

By Amber Wyatt | Talk to the Camera Instructor and Video Production Assistant

Our kids sure love their technology. They’re completely immersed in gadgets that seemed like science fiction only twenty-five years ago. This means that our children need to be even more comfortable with all the components of Information Technology (IT) that will ensure their success later in high school, college and in their careers.

One of the most important IT skills kids want to develop are the visual arts, namely, creating and performing in video content. As the world becomes more interconnected, visual arts skills are going to be in higher demand. Video is now the dominant form of communicating on social media. Just consider these mind-blowing facts:

One-third of online activity is spent watching video

92% of mobile video viewers share videos

90% of Twitter video views are on a mobile device

Social video generates 1200% more shares than text and images combined

45% of people watch more than an hour of Facebook or YouTube video each week

Given the importance of being “online video literate,” our kids today actually need to know more about this type of IT. While traditional schools want to keep kids off their devices and focused on their books, savvy new after-school programs are now embracing the need for kids to learn better on-camera skills.

We created Talk To The Camera to teach kids these important on-camera and video skills. Kids want to be actors, directors and filmmakers, and the businesses of the world need young adults who have those skills. While the kids have fun in our classes while learning how to create short films, documentaries and newscasts, they’re also gaining vital skills that will enable them to advance in virtually every career they choose. Companies and brands know that these visual skills are necessary for them to advance their market share and grow, and the kids we teach are years ahead of children who aren’t learning these important IT skills.

For example: one of our mini-movie classes is a campy space monster film called “Slime of the Undead.” While they’re laughing and being silly with goofy space slime, they’re also learning important video communication skills such as project planning, location scouting, rehearsing and working together as a team.

Many YouTube stars have found fame, sponsors and fans that number in the millions before they’re old enough to vote. While we don’t promise any kind of viral video success, we do show our students how to turn the fun of making videos into a huge advantage, and they have a blast while doing it. Children love the world of IT and we need to encourage the right skills so they will continue to advance while enjoying every minute of being a kid.